Plantar Heel Pain Questions & Answers

Updated: Mar 28, 2022
  • Author: Vinod K Panchbhavi, MD, FACS, FAOA, FABOS, FAAOS; Chief Editor: Thomas M DeBerardino, MD, FAAOS, FAOA  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is plantar heel pain?

What is the pathophysiology of plantar heel pain?

What are local causes plantar heel pain?

What are regional causes of plantar heel pain?

What are systemic causes of plantar heel pain?

What is the prevalence of plantar heel pain?

What is the prognosis of plantar heel pain?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of plantar heel pain?

What is included in the physical exam to evaluate plantar heel pain?

Which physical findings are characteristic of plantar heel pain?

DDX

What conditions are associated with plantar heel pain under the arch?

What conditions can be associated with plantar heel pain on the posterior aspect of the hindfoot?

What conditions can be associated with plantar heel pain on the medial aspect of the ankle?

What conditions can be associated with plantar heel pain on the lateral aspect of the ankle?

What are the differential diagnoses for Plantar Heel Pain?

Workup

What is the role of lab testing in the workup of plantar heel pain?

What is the role of radiography in the diagnosis of plantar heel pain?

What is the role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of plantar heel pain?

What is the role of MRI in the diagnosis of plantar heel pain?

Treatment

How is proximal plantar fasciitis treated?

What are the treatments to reduce impact in plantar heel pain?

How is inflammation treated in plantar heel pain?

What is the role of stretching and strengthening in the treatment of plantar heel pain?

What is the role of resting splints in the treatment of plantar heel pain?

What is the role of a walking cast in the treatment of plantar heel pain?

What is the role of corticosteroids in the treatment of plantar heel pain?

What is the role of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of plantar heel pain?

What is the role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in the treatment of plantar heel pain?

What is the role of percutaneous radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFNA) in the treatment of plantar heel pain?

What is the role of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of plantar heel pain?

What is the role of micronized dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (dHACM) injection in the treatment of plantar heel pain?

How is fat pad atrophy treated in patients with plantar heel pain?

How is a planovalgus deformity treated in patients with plantar heel pain?

How are stress fractures treated in patients with plantar heel pain?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of plantar heel pain?

What are the possible complications of plantar heel pain?

How is plantar heel pain prevented?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of plantar heel pain?

Which medications in the drug class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs are used in the treatment of Plantar Heel Pain?

Which medications in the drug class Analgesics are used in the treatment of Plantar Heel Pain?